How to Build a Pergola

A pergola, also sometimes known as an arbor, is a great addition to any home or as a standalone feature of a garden. Many homeowners who seek information on how to build a gazebo change their minds and instead learn how to build a pergola. While vinyl gazebo kits and vinyl pergola kits are often sold side-by-side, many DIY builders like the idea of the simplicity of the vinyl pergola kits over the vinyl gazebo kits. A pergola is simply a frame. It is a structure of columns with a roof of open beams and cross-beams. A pergola has a living roof, and sometimes walls. Vines and flowers grow on the beams and drape down the sides to create a roof or a full enclosure. This is the reason it is easier to learn how to build a pergola than learning how to build a gazebo. A gazebo requires a full roof so vinyl gazebo kits have more parts and take more time to build.

Vinyl pergola kits are often chosen by new DIY builders because it saves them the trouble of having to buy all the parts separately. It also saves them the trouble of having to measure and cut all the parts. Vinyl is also more durable than wood, so vinyl pergola kits will last longer and not require any special coatings. Because of the exposure of plants, wooden pergolas must be sealed so they do not rot from all the moisture.

Vinyl Pergola Kits
Vinyl pergola kits are great way to learn how to build a pergola for the first time. Building a pergola is also a good primer for learning how to build a gazebo in the future. The greatest benefit of the kit is that it has all of the necessary parts and hardware. All you need to supply are the tools and the manpower. Another great benefit of the vinyl pergola kits is that they come with complete instructions.

The instructions in the kits are very important because sometimes the planning of a pergola is much more difficult than the actual construction. Then, even when the planning is complete, the crucial factor becomes the measurement and the cutting. The measurement and cutting is also the most time-consuming part of the construction. With the kit, all that need be done is follow the steps in putting it all together. Here are some of the steps required:

1. Choose a location.
2. Set the columns in concrete.
3. Attach the beams to the columns.
4. Apply the edging and rafter tails.
5. Finish up with details and paint, if desired.